From Rindi White in Wasilla:
A tire blow-out on a tow truck spelled near disaster in an accident that left the Glenn Highway near Palmer shut for nearly an hour Monday morning. But all occupants of the two-vehicle head-on collision came away with only minor injuries, according to Alaska State Troopers.
According to a trooper report, 34-year-old Shane Alan Preskitt-Bailey of Wasilla was driving a 1999 International flatbed tow truck northbound on the Glenn Highway when the left front tire blew out. Preskitt-Bailey lost control of the truck, which swerved into the southbound lane and hit a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban head on.
Valerie Lynn Latta, 39, of Palmer was driving with her two children, ages 7 and 10, in the Suburban. All occupants said they were wearing their seatbelts.
According to troopers, all occupants sustained minor injuries and were evaluated at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Damage to the Suburban was estimated at about $10,000 and damage to the tow truck at about $20,000. Both vehicles were considered totaled and towed from the scene.